J.D Power Reports Declining Vehicle Dependability in India

. This is a discussion on J.D Power Reports Declining Vehicle Dependability in India within Indian Auto Sector. Part of The Auto Talk category; Vehicle Dependability in India Declines as More Owners Report Problems, J.D. Power Finds
Honda, Hyundai and Toyota Each Receive Two ...

Vehicle Dependability in India Declines as More Owners Report Problems, J.D. Power Finds

Honda, Hyundai and Toyota Each Receive Two Model-Level Awards

Quote:

SINGAPORE: 29 June 2017 — Longer-term vehicle dependability in India has declined marginally year over year, as 56% of new-vehicle owners indicate experiencing at least one problem with their vehicle, according to the J.D. Power 2017 India Vehicle Dependability Study,SM (VDS) released today. Last year, 53% of new-vehicle owners experienced at least one problem.

Overall vehicle dependability in India averages 189 problems per 100 vehicles (PP100) in 2017, deteriorating from 185 PP100 in 2016. A lower number of problems reflects higher longer-term vehicle quality. Owner-reported problems increase sharply after vehicles are driven more than 40,000 kilometers (kms). Owners of vehicles that have been driven for more than 40,000 kms indicate an average of 73 more problems per 100 vehicles than those owners whose vehicles have been driven fewer than 40,000 kms. Vehicle exterior and driving experience account for more problems than other categories and, within these two categories, problems relating to uneven tire wear, noise from doors, bumper and exterior corrosion are more prevalent in vehicles that have been driven more than 40,000 kms.

“In addition to usage, varying road and weather conditions affect the longer-term dependability of vehicles in India,” said Shantanu Nandi Majumdar, director at J.D. Power. “After about three years of ownership, problems related to squeaks and rattles are typically reported which is likely to impact overall build quality perceptions. Automakers that are able to identify such problems related to extended use—and resolve them at the manufacturing stage—are likely to be able to provide a more positive ownership experience for their customers.”

The study also finds that diesel-fueled vehicles deteriorate more after 40,000 kms vs. petrol-fueled vehicles. During the past four years, the gap in reported problems between vehicles driven more than 40,000 kms and those driven fewer than 40,000 kms is greater for diesel vehicles than for petrol vehicles. Plus, a larger proportion of owners of diesel vehicles driven more than 40,000 kms indicate the need to replace parts/ components in their vehicle (67%) vs. petrol vehicle owners (58%).

Following are additional findings of the 2017 study:

Unexpected repairs influence dependability: The incidence of repairs for unexpected problems in 2017 is 22%, the lowest level since 2013. Owners who say they had to take their vehicle in for unexpected repairs report more problems (366 PP100) compared to owners who say they haven’t had any unexpected repairs (138 PP100).

More owners opt for extended warranty: More vehicle owners are purchasing an extended warranty. In 2017, 38% of all owners say they have an extended warranty, up from 27% last year. More first-time vehicle buyers (44%) purchase an extended warranty than do repeat owners (31%).

Longer-term vehicle dependability builds advocacy and loyalty: Among owners who indicate they have not experienced a problem, 74% say they “definitely would” recommend their current model to others and 53% say they “definitely would” repurchase their current make. In contrast, advocacy declines to 56% among owners who experience at least one problem with their vehicle while loyalty drops to 39%.

The J.D. Power India Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS), now in its 10th year, measures problems experienced by original owners of 30- to 42-month-old vehicles for 169 different problem symptoms across nine vehicle categories: vehicle exterior; driving experience; features, controls and displays (FCD); audio and entertainment; seats; heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC); vehicle interior; engine; and transmission. Overall dependability is based on the number of problems reported per 100 vehicles (PP100), with a lower score reflecting higher longer-term vehicle quality.

The study is based on evaluations from 8,741 original owners who purchased a new vehicle between July 2013 and September 2014. The study includes 74 models covering 17 brands, and was fielded from January through April 2017 in 40 cities.

This is good information. What is surprising is that for the B2 segment (Upper and Premium Compact) which has the highest sales in the market, the most dependable cars did not do well when it comes to sales.

On a personal note, I am happy that all 3 of my cars are considered dependable . Seems I did my research well.